Brooksville residents may require a plumber’s help on occasion. But how do you know if you’ve got a water leak? And what should you do if a plumbing emergency arises?
Signs of a Plumbing Problem or Water Leak
The signs of a plumbing problem can be very obvious or quite subtle, but both plumbing issue presentations can signal a very destructive situation. In fact, thousands of dollars in collateral damage can occur when you have a water leak or other plumbing issue, so it’s important that you know what to do if this type of problem arises.
Signs of a water leak may be subtle. You could gradually start to notice a water mark forming on a wall or on your ceiling. Or perhaps you’ll notice a musty, damp odor. Water may also affect the electrical system, causing what seems like an unexplained short. The area under your sink is also especially prone to leaks, which may go unnoticed at first. But in time, you may start to notice damage to your sink vanity or flooring, which may start to warp or lift, depending upon the flooring type.
Whatever the case, it’s important to take action as soon as you notice a sign of a problem because the water from a leak can permanently damage wood, electrical wiring, insulation and drywall. What’s more, hot and humid weather, combined with the moisture, can serve as the perfect conditions for mold formation. Mold can be downright deadly and it can spread throughout your house, ruining your drywall, ceilings and invading your HVAC system.
Broken or burst pipes are another issue that can arise. In this sort of situation, you must shut off the valve that’s supplying the pipe in question. If you’re unfamiliar with the location of the shut off valve for the damaged pipe, you may need to cut the water supply to your entire home or business. This primary shut-off valve is typically found where the pipe enters the structure. It’s good to familiarize yourself with the valve location before a problem arises, as this can really reduce the amount of water damage that occurs.
In cases where you have a broken pipe or an overflow, the most effective way to remove the water is to use a wet-dry vacuum to clean up the area.
For clogs, there’s little you can do at home if a typical drain cleaner is ineffective. Hair is one of the most common causes of drain clogs and hair can be extremely durable and resistant even to drain cleaner. So you may need help from a professional plumber. Brooksville natives will need to call upon a plumbing company that offers snaking — a fairly standard service offering — whereby a wire cord with prongs is placed down the drain and twisted (usually with a drill). The prongs of the plumbing snake are designed to snag the clog so it can be removed.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of 1st Choice Plumbing Inc*